Captain Adam Kok, Chief of the Griquas (1867)

Illustrated London News, 1867, woodcut, original, 39 cms x 52 cms, with mount board, suitable for framing, condition: very good.

Adam Kok III (1811   1875,) was a chief who led the people of the Griqua nation from their home in the Orange Free State to found a new nation, Griqualand East,  in the Eastern Cape.. 

In 1861, Kok III accepted a British offer to settle his people in the eastern section of the Cape Colony. He then led his people on a two-year trek across South Africa. During the trek, the Griqua lost most of their cattle and horses as they suffered through droughts and raids by the Basotho. In February 1863, they crossed the Drakensberg at Ongeluks Nek and descended along the banks of the Kenigha River on to Mount Currie (then known as Berg Vyftig) where they founded Griqualand East. After settling down they worked on replenishing their herds and flocks. They also built structures using bricks and succeeded in setting up an efficient method of government and a legislature. They raised their revenue through tax, trading licenses and fines. In 1867, they printed their own currency, which, however, was only used in their jurisdiction. These coins and notes never reached full circulation and payments for levies were usually made in cattle, goats, sheep and grain. In 1874, Kok III assisted the British in a campaign against the Hlubi in Natal. That same year, the Cape Colony placed Griqualand East under custodial government, effectively deposing Kok III.